Malawi confirms its sixth Mpox case in just two weeks, all centered in the capital, Lilongwe—raising fears of local transmission and testing the country’s public health defenses amid growing regional concern.
Malawi’s health authorities have confirmed a sixth case of Mpox, heightening concerns about an outbreak that began just two weeks ago.
According to a spot report issued by the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) on May 1, the latest patient is an 18-year-old male student from Area 36, Tumbwe, in Lilongwe District.
He sought treatment at Bwaila Hospital on April 30 after presenting with typical Mpox symptoms—fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a distinctive skin rash. A swab sample collected the same day tested positive for the virus.
The student has no recent travel history but had contact with a previously confirmed case, indicating that local transmission remains ongoing.
This case brings the national total to six confirmed Mpox infections since the first was detected on April 17—all reported in Lilongwe. The concentration of cases in the capital has raised concerns about potential community spread in densely populated urban areas.
Formerly known as monkeypox, Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as smallpox. It typically spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals, or via contaminated materials such as bedding and clothing.
The illness usually begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a rash. While many cases are mild, severe illness can occur—particularly in children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Though previously confined mostly to Central and West Africa, Mpox has spread globally since 2022, prompting public health alerts and emergency responses in several countries. In response to the evolving threat, Malawi has strengthened its disease surveillance and diagnostic capabilities.
Health authorities are acting quickly. The Lilongwe District Rapid Response Team has been dispatched to the patient’s home for contact tracing and to provide guidance on home-based care. PHIM has also activated its Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate the national response.
“We are using a multi-sectoral One Health approach,” the PHIM report stated, referring to integrated surveillance strategies that consider human, animal, and environmental health.
Rapid response teams have been mobilized at both district and national levels, and a trained National Emergency Medical Team remains on standby.
Officials are urging the public to stay calm but vigilant: report symptoms early, avoid close contact with suspected cases, and follow recommended hygiene measures.
The confirmation of a sixth case comes amid rising regional concern over a potential resurgence of Mpox across Southern Africa. Malawi has not previously experienced any major outbreaks, but its vulnerability is increased by porous borders, high urban population density, and limited healthcare resources.
While countries in Europe and the Americas responded to earlier outbreaks with vaccines and travel restrictions, most African nations—including Malawi—have relied primarily on public health campaigns, isolation protocols, and community engagement.
PHIM has pledged to provide regular updates as the situation unfolds. In the meantime, disease surveillance and public awareness efforts are being intensified in affected areas of Lilongwe.
“Protecting the health of Malawians remains our top priority,” the institute emphasized.
As Malawi confronts this emerging public health threat, the Mpox outbreak is becoming not only a test of its medical response but also a broader measure of the country’s resilience and epidemic preparedness.
